Grey Zabel 2025 NFL Draft: NDSU OG Scouting Report
Coming out of North Dakota State, we have a versatile offensive lineman, Grey Zabel. In a talented 2025 NFL Draft class, he is an OG who may go in the early rounds of the draft. Today, we’ll be breaking down his NFL outlook in this scouting report. We will be breaking down his strengths, areas for improvement, and his potential draft grade.
Grey Zabel 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Grey Zabel is one of the most versatile offensive linemen in this draft class. He brings experience at nearly every position along the offensive front. At North Dakota State, he was a key piece of their run-heavy scheme. Additionally, his athleticism, strength, and technical ability make him an intriguing NFL prospect.
Overall, Zabel has the potential to contribute at a high level in the NFL. However, while he excels in many areas, there are also concerns about how he will transition against elite competition. Below is a detailed breakdown of his strengths, weaknesses, and overall NFL Draft projection.
HT: 6057
WT: 312
HAND: 948
ARM: 3200
40: 5.04
Strengths
- Run Blocking: Zabel thrives as a mauler in the run game, leveraging his lower-body power and hip drive to displace defenders. His ability to combo-block and climb to the second level is seamless, often sealing linebackers with precise angles and a nasty finishing mentality. In North Dakota State’s zone-heavy scheme, he consistently creates lanes by staying low and driving through contact.
- Versatility: With significant snaps at tackle and guard, Zabel offers positional flexibility that NFL teams covet. His experience across the line translates to a high football IQ, evident in how he adjusts to stunts and picks up blitzes in real-time.
- Lateral Agility: Zabel moves fluidly side-to-side for a taller lineman, redirecting against counters and keeping his pads square. This agility pairs with quick, light feet, making him effective in space on pulls or screens.
- Mental Toughness: Zabel plays with a relentless edge, finishing blocks with authority and hunting for work when uncovered. His performance against Northern Iowa’s chaotic fronts in 2024—where he neutralized stunts and twists—highlights his composure under pressure.
- Pass Protection Foundation: While not elite, Zabel’s pass-blocking shows promise. He uses a firm punch to disrupt rushers and maintains balance, rarely getting caught lunging or overextending.
Areas for Improvement
- Anchor Consistency: Zabel’s lighter frame and shorter arms can leave him vulnerable to power rushers who get into his chest. Improving his anchor with added bulk and better pad-level discipline will be critical against NFL defensive tackles.
- Hand Technique: His hand placement can be erratic, occasionally landing outside the framework or failing to deliver a consistent jolt. This leads to recovery situations where he relies on athleticism rather than control, a habit that may not hold up against pro-level technicians.
- Pad Level: At nearly 6’6”, Zabel sometimes rises out of his stance, especially late in games, sacrificing leverage. Refining this will be key to maximizing his power inside.
- Competition Level: Dominating FCS foes is one thing; proving he can handle the speed and strength of NFL interior defenders—particularly in pass protection—remains a question mark until tested consistently at the next level.
Conclusion
Zabel is a technician with a brawler’s mentality, offering immediate depth and long-term starter potential. His versatility and FCS pedigree make him a safe bet to contribute early while developing into a cornerstone for a team that prioritizes the trenches.
Zabel profiles as a high-upside interior lineman with the tools to compete for a starting guard spot as a rookie. His best fit lies in a zone-blocking scheme where his mobility, leverage, and combo-blocking skills can shine—think teams like the Minnesota Vikings or Los Angeles Rams. While he excelled at tackle in college, his physical profile (shorter arms, tall frame) and Senior Bowl reps suggest a permanent move to guard, with potential cross-training at center given his snap accuracy in limited action. Zabel’s ceiling is a multi-year starter with Pro Bowl potential if he refines his technique and adds 10-15 pounds of muscle. His floor is a valuable swing lineman who can plug in across the interior.
Zabel’s blend of size, agility, and tenacity evokes a less polished version of Zack Martin in his early NFL days. While not as explosive off the snap, Zabel shares Martin’s knack for angles and timing, particularly in the run game. He could carve out a similar career arc if he hones his pass protection.
Round Grade: 2nd Round
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